JP7249782B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators.

Refrigerators with thermal insulation are known. By the way, refrigerators are expected to further improve their heat insulating properties.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-340420

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving heat insulation.

A refrigerator of an embodiment has an insulating wall. The insulation wall includes an inner surface member, an outer surface member, a vacuum insulation material, an insulation member, and a foam insulation material. The inner surface member forms at least part of the inner surface of the refrigerator. The outer surface member forms at least part of the outer surface of the refrigerator. The vacuum heat insulating material is arranged between the inner surface member and the outer surface member. The insulation member is disposed between the vacuum insulation and the inner surface member or between the vacuum insulation and the outer surface member and comprises aerogel, xerogel, or cryogel. The foam insulation is filled in the insulation wall. At least part of the heat insulating member is arranged between the vacuum heat insulating material and the inner surface member. The heat insulating member is arranged in contact along the wall surface of the inner surface member. The vacuum insulation member is attached to the outer surface member and the insulation member is attached to the inner surface member. The refrigerator of the embodiment further includes a heat radiating member arranged along the inner surface of the outer surface member. The heat insulating member has elasticity, and is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member, and presses the heat radiating member toward the inner surface of the outer surface member by elastic force. The heat insulating member includes a main body portion containing the aerogel, xerogel, or cryogel and having elasticity, and a deformable metal portion provided on at least a part of the surface of the main body portion. The metal portion includes a first portion facing the heat radiating member and a second portion facing the inner surface of the outer surface member, and the heat insulating member is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member. As a result, the heat radiating member and the outer surface member are pressed toward the inner surfaces by elastic force.

The front view which shows the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2; Sectional drawing which shows the upper wall of the housing|casing of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which expands and shows a partial area|region of the upper wall shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which expands and shows the rear-end part of the upper wall of the housing|casing of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the circuit housing component of the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 5 taken along line F7-F7; The front view which shows the heat insulation member and outer wall part of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which expands and shows the area|region enclosed by F9 line of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the lower wall of the housing|casing of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2 taken along line F11-F11; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged area surrounded by F12 line of the left side wall shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is an exploded sectional view showing the structure shown in FIG. 12; Sectional drawing which looked at the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment from the front. The front view which shows the heat insulation member of 1st Embodiment. The rear view which shows the back surface of the 1st duct component of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st duct component and heat insulating member of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st defrost water receiver and drain pipe part of 1st Embodiment. The bottom view which shows the 1st defrost water receiver and heat insulating member of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the rear wall of the refrigerator of 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the left side wall of the refrigerator of 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the vacuum heat insulating material of 3rd Embodiment. The front view which shows the heat insulation member and outer wall part of 4th Embodiment. The front view which shows the refrigerator of 5th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, refrigerators according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. Duplicate descriptions of these configurations may be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined with reference to the direction of viewing the refrigerator from a user standing in front of the refrigerator. In addition, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front", and the side farther from the refrigerator is defined as "back". As used herein, the term "horizontal direction" means the left-right direction as defined above.

In this specification, "ZZ is sandwiched between XX and YY" is not limited to the case where ZZ is in contact with XX and YY, and at least one between ZZ and XX and between ZZ and YY Including the case where another member intervenes. In the present specification, the term "contact" is not limited to direct contact in the strict sense, but also includes the presence of an adhesive layer such as an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

(First embodiment)
[1. Overall configuration of the refrigerator]
A refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19 . First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. However, the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all of the configurations described below, and some configurations may be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 along line F2-F2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 11, a plurality of shelves 12, a plurality of containers 13, flow passage forming parts 14, first and second cooling units 15. , 16 , a compressor 17 , an evaporating dish 18 , and a power supply circuit board 19 .

The housing 10 has an upper wall 21 , a lower wall 22 , left and right side walls 23 and 24 and a rear wall 25 . The upper wall 21 and the lower wall 22 extend substantially horizontally. The left and right side walls 23 and 24 rise upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 22 and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 21 . The rear wall 25 rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 22 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 21 . Each of the top wall 21, the bottom wall 22, the left and right side walls 23, 24, and the rear wall 25, or a combination thereof, is an example of a "insulating wall." The configuration of the housing 10 will be detailed later.

A plurality of storage chambers 27 are provided inside the housing 10 . The multiple storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment 27D, and a main freezer compartment 27E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 27A is arranged at the top, the vegetable compartment 27B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 27B, and the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 27B. A main freezer compartment 27E is arranged below the small freezer compartment 27D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartment 27 is not limited to the above example, and for example, the arrangement of the vegetable compartment 27B and the main freezer compartment 27E may be reversed. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage chamber 27 that allows food to be taken in and out of each storage chamber 27 .

The housing 10 has first and second partitions 28 and 29 . The first and second partitions 28 and 29 are, for example, partition walls extending substantially horizontally. The first partition 28 is located between the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B, and partitions the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B. For example, the first partition 28 forms the bottom wall of the refrigerator compartment 27A and the ceiling wall of the vegetable compartment 27B. On the other hand, the second partition 29 is positioned between the vegetable compartment 27B and the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D to separate the vegetable compartment 27B from the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. . For example, the second partition 29 forms the bottom wall of the vegetable compartment 27B and the ceiling walls of the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D.

Openings of the plurality of storage chambers 27 are closed by a plurality of doors 11 so as to be openable and closable. The plurality of doors 11 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 27A, a vegetable compartment door 11B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 27B, an ice compartment door 11C that closes the opening of the ice compartment 27C, and a small freezer. It includes a small freezer compartment door 11D that closes the opening of compartment 27D and a main freezer compartment door 11E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 27E.

A plurality of shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A.
The plurality of containers 13 includes a refrigerating chamber container 13A (for example, a chilled chamber container) provided in the refrigerating chamber 27A, first and second vegetable chamber containers 13Ba and 13Bb provided in the vegetable chamber 27B, and ice making chamber 27C. An ice making compartment container (not shown), a small freezer compartment container 13D provided in the small freezer compartment 27D, and first and second main freezer compartment containers 13Ea and 13Eb provided in the main freezer compartment 27E.

The flow path forming component 14 is arranged inside the housing 10 . The flow channel forming component 14 includes a first duct component 31 , a second duct component 32 and a return channel cover 33 .

The first duct component 31 is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The first duct component 31 extends, for example, from behind the lower end of the vegetable compartment 27B to behind the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. Between the first duct part 31 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, a first duct space D1 is formed as a passage through which cool air (air) flows. The first duct component 31 has a plurality of cool air outlets 31a and cool air return ports 31b. A plurality of cool air outlets 31a are provided at a plurality of height positions in the refrigerator compartment 27A. The cool air return port 31b is provided at the lower end of the first duct member 31 and positioned behind the vegetable compartment 27B.

The second duct component 32 is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The second duct component 32 extends, for example, from behind the main freezer compartment 27E to behind the upper ends of the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. Between the second duct part 32 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, a second duct space D2 is formed as a passage through which cold air (air) flows. The second duct component 32 has a cool air outlet 32a and a cool air return 32b. The cold air outlet 32a is provided at the upper end of the second duct member 32 and positioned behind the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. The cool air return port 32b is provided at the lower end of the second duct member 32 and positioned behind the main freezer compartment 27E.

The return channel cover 33 is arranged, for example, in the main freezer compartment 27E. The return channel cover 33 is provided at the rear part inside the housing 10 . The return channel cover 33 includes a wall portion 33a located at a height between the cool air outlet 32a and the cool air return port 32b of the second duct member 32 in the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1, and is behind the main freezer compartment 27E. , the rear part in the housing 10 is divided into a cold air flow path f1 and a return flow path f2. The cold air flow path f1 communicates with the cold air outlet 32a of the second duct component 32 at the rear part of the housing 10, and is a flow path through which cool air is cooled by the second cooler 46 described later and blown out from the cool air outlet 32a. is. For example, the cold air flow path f1 is a flow path through which cold air flows from the cold air outlet 32a toward the main freezer compartment 27E. On the other hand, the return flow path f2 communicates with the cold air return port 32b of the second duct part 32 at the rear of the housing 10, and passes through one or more of the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E. It is a flow path through which cool air returns toward the second cooler 46 . At least part of the return flow path f2 is located below the cool air flow path f1. Cold air flows in opposite directions on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the return channel cover 33 .

The first cooling unit 15 is a cooling unit that cools the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B. The 1st cooling unit 15 contains the 1st cooler 41, the 1st defrost water receiver 42, and the 1st fan 43, for example.

The first cooler 41 is arranged in the first duct space D1. The 1st cooler 41 is arrange|positioned at the height corresponding to the lower end part of 27 A of refrigerator compartments, for example. The first cooler 41 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by a compressor 17, which will be described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1.

The first defrosting water receiver 42 is arranged in the first duct space D<b>1 and provided below the first cooler 41 . The first defrosting water receiver 42 receives defrosting water generated in the first cooler 41 (defrosting water dripping from the first cooler 41). The defrosted water received by the first defrosted water receiver 42 is led to the evaporating dish 18 via the drain pipe portion 44 provided on the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 .

The first fan 43 is provided at the cool air return port 31b of the first duct member 31, for example. When the first fan 43 is driven, the air in the vegetable compartment 27B flows into the first duct space D1 through the cool air return port 31b. The air that has flowed into the first duct space D1 flows upward in the first duct space D1 and is cooled by the first cooler 41 . The cold air cooled by the first cooler 41 is blown out from the cold air outlets 31a into the refrigerator compartment 27A. The cold air blown out to the refrigerator compartment 27A flows through the refrigerator compartment 27A and then returns to the cold air return port 31b via the vegetable compartment 27B. Thereby, cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B is circulated in the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B are cooled.

On the other hand, the second cooling unit 16 is a cooling unit that cools the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the vegetable compartment 27B. The second cooling unit 16 includes, for example, a second cooler 46 , a second defrosting water receiver 47 and a second fan 48 .

The second cooler 46 is arranged in the second duct space D2. The second cooler 46 is arranged, for example, at a height corresponding to the small freezer compartment 27D. The second cooler 46 is supplied with a refrigerant compressed by a compressor 17, which will be described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2.

The second defrosting water receiver 47 is arranged in the second duct space D<b>2 and provided below the second cooler 46 . The second defrosting water receiver 47 receives defrosting water generated in the second cooler 46 (defrosting water dripping from the second cooler 46). The defrosted water received by the second defrosted water receiver 47 is led to the evaporating dish 18 via the drain pipe portion 44 provided on the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 .

The second fan 48 is provided at the cool air return port 32b of the second duct member 32, for example. When the second fan 48 is driven, the air in the main freezer compartment 27E flows into the second duct space D2 through the cool air return port 32b. The air that has flowed into the second duct space D2 flows upward in the second duct space D2 and is cooled by the second cooler 46 . The cool air cooled by the second cooler 46 flows into the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E from the cool air outlet 32a. The cool air that has flowed into the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D flows through the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D, and then returns to the cool air return port 32b via the main freezer compartment 27E. As a result, cold air flowing in ice making compartment 27C, small freezing compartment 27D, and main freezing compartment 27E is circulated in refrigerator 1 to cool ice making compartment 27C, small freezing compartment 27D, and main freezing compartment 27E.

The compressor 17 is provided, for example, in the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1 . Compressor 17 compresses the refrigerant gas used to cool storage chamber 27 . Refrigerant gas compressed by compressor 17 is sent to first and second coolers 41 and 46 via heat radiation pipe 101 (see FIG. 9) and the like.

The evaporating dish 18 is provided, for example, in the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1 . The evaporating dish 18 is heated, for example, by heat generated by the compressor 17 to evaporate the defrosting water guided to the evaporating dish 18 from the first and second defrosting water receivers 42 and 47 .

The power supply circuit board 19 is electrically connected to a commercial power supply (AC 100 V), which is an external power supply, and converts the power supplied from the commercial power supply into DC power with a voltage suitable for driving each electrical component included in the refrigerator 1. The converted electric power is supplied to each electric component of the refrigerator 1 . The power circuit board 19 is an example of a heat-generating component that generates a large amount of heat in the refrigerator 1 . The power circuit board 19 is provided, for example, on the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 . In this embodiment, the upper surface of the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 has a concave portion 84 that is recessed downward. The power circuit board 19 is arranged in the recess 84 . The installation structure of the power supply circuit board 19 will be described later in detail.

[2. Overall configuration of housing]
Next, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 has an inner box 51, an outer box 52, and a heat insulating portion 53, for example.

The inner box 51 is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10, and is made of synthetic resin, for example. In addition, the inner box 51 may form the entire inner surface of the housing 10 or may form only a part thereof. The inner box 51 is a member exposed to the storage compartment 27 (refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, ice making compartment 27C, small freezer compartment 27D, and main freezer compartment 27E). The inner box 51 is an example of an "inner surface member."

The outer box 52 is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10 and is made of metal, for example. In addition, the outer box 52 may form the entire outer surface of the housing 10 or may form only a part thereof. The outer box 52 is formed one size larger than the inner box 51 and arranged outside the inner box 51 . Outer case 52 is a member exposed to the outside of refrigerator 1 . Between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52, there is a space in which a heat insulating portion 53, which will be described later, is provided. The outer box 52 is an example of an "outer surface member."

The heat insulating part 53 is provided between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 to improve the heat insulating properties of the housing 10 . The heat insulating part 53 includes, for example, a vacuum heat insulating panel (VIP: Vacuum Insulation Panel) 61, a foam heat insulating material 62, and a plurality of heat insulating members 71 to 76 (see FIG. 12 for the heat insulating members 75 and 76). These will be described below.

[3. Material of each member of the heat insulating part]
First, individual materials of the vacuum heat insulating material 61, the foam heat insulating material 62, and the plurality of heat insulating members 71 to 76 will be described.

The vacuum heat insulating material 61 is, for example, a heat insulating material that includes an exterior body and a core material housed in the exterior body, and the inside of the exterior body is decompressed. The core material is, for example, a fibrous material such as glass wool, or a porous material such as foam.

The foamed heat insulating material 62 is, for example, a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam. The foamed heat insulating material 62 is formed by being injected between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 in a fluid state and foaming after being injected between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 .

Each of the plurality of heat insulating members 71 to 76 is formed of a heat insulating material G (hereinafter referred to as "specific heat insulating material G" for convenience of explanation) containing aerogel, xerogel, or cryogel. In addition, "including an aerogel, a xerogel, or a cryogel" is used in the sense of "including one or more of an aerogel, a xerogel, or a cryogel." Aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels are each low-density structures (dry gels). An “aerogel” is a porous substance obtained by replacing the solvent contained in the gel with a gas by supercritical drying, for example. A "xerogel" is a porous substance in which the solvent contained in the gel is replaced with a gas by evaporative drying. A “cryogel” is a porous substance obtained by replacing the solvent contained in the gel with a gas by freeze-drying.

Some airgel can be dried without using supercritical drying, for example, by introducing a specific element. The term "aerogel" as used herein also includes such aerogels. That is, the term "aerogel" as used herein is not limited to those produced using supercritical drying, and broadly means various materials distributed as "aerogel". As aerogels that do not require supercritical drying, for example, organic-inorganic hybrid aerogels in which organic chains such as methyl groups are introduced into the molecular network of silicon dioxide are known, such as PMSQ (CH ₃ SiO _1.5 ) aerogels. There is However, these are only examples.

Aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels are ultra-low-density dry porous bodies with a large number of fine pores (voids) and an extremely high porosity (90% or more, preferably 95% or more). The density of the dry porous body is, for example, 150 mg/cm ³ or less. Aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels have structures in which, for example, silicon dioxide and the like are bonded in a beaded manner, and have many nanometer-level (for example, 100 nm or less, preferably 2 nm to 50 nm) voids. Because it has nanometer-level pores and a lattice structure, it is possible to reduce the mean free path of gas molecules. It is. For example, aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels have microscopic voids smaller than the mean free path of air.

Aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels may be inorganic aerogels, xerogels, or cryogels made of metal oxides such as silicon, aluminum, iron, copper, zirconium, hafnium, magnesium, yttrium, for example silica aerogels containing silicon dioxide. , silica xerogel, or silica cryogel. These have a structure in which silica (SiO2) fine particles with a diameter of 10 nm to 20 nm are linked, and have pores with a width of several tens of nm. Due to the low density, the heat conduction of the solid portion is extremely small, and the movement of air inside the pores is restricted, resulting in a very low thermal conductivity (0.012 to 0.02 W (m K)). Furthermore, since the silica fine particles and pores are smaller than the wavelength of visible light and do not scatter visible light, they have high light transmittance.In addition, carbon or the like may be used as a material for aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels.

Aerogels, xerogels, and cryogels can be given arbitrary properties (such as elasticity and flexibility) by selecting materials. For example, by using polypropylene as a material, high elasticity or flexibility can be imparted.

Airgel, xerogel, and cryogel may each form the specific heat insulating material G alone. Alternatively, airgel, xerogel, and cryogel may each form a specific heat insulating material G, which is a composite heat insulating material, by immersing another material (for example, a fiber structure) in a precursor state. . Such fibrous structures act as stiffeners or supports to reinforce and support the dry gel, and may be used in flexible woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics to obtain flexible composite insulation. etc., and more preferably felt or blanket-like ones are used. As the material of the fiber structure, inorganic fibers such as glass fibers can be used in addition to organic fibers such as polyester fibers.

The fibrous structure is, for example, chitosan, which is a natural polymer. The specific heat insulating material G contains a three-dimensional network structure of hydrophobized fine chitosan fibers and has an ultra-high porosity (96 to 97% of the volume is void). By hydrophobization, the homogeneous nanostructure of the hydrophilic chitosan airgel is maintained, while the moisture resistance, which is a problem for materials composed of polysaccharide nanofibers, is enhanced and has water repellency.

The specific heat insulating material G may be, for example, a heat insulating material obtained by combining a polypropylene foam and one selected from silica aerogel, xerogel, and cryogel.

The thermal conductivity of the specific heat insulating material G is higher than the thermal conductivity of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 (an example of a general vacuum heat insulating material), but the thermal conductivity of the foam heat insulating material 62 (an example of a general foam heat insulating material) lower than the rate. That is, the specific heat insulating material G does not reach the heat insulating properties of the vacuum heat insulating material 61, but is superior to the foam heat insulating material 62 in heat insulating properties. The thermal conductivity of the specific heat insulating material G is, for example, 0.010 W/m·K to 0.015 W/m·K. The thermal conductivity of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 is, for example, 0.003 W/m·K to 0.005 W/m·K. The thermal conductivity of the foamed heat insulating material 62 is, for example, 0.020 W/m·K to 0.022 W/m·K. Note that these numerical values are only examples.

When the specific heat insulating material G has flexibility, the flexibility (ease of bending) of the specific heat insulating material G is, for example, higher than the flexibility of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and higher than the flexibility of the foam heat insulating material 62 . Further, when the specific heat insulating material G has elasticity, the elasticity of the specific heat insulating material G is, for example, higher than the elasticity of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 (substantially close to zero), and the elasticity of the foam heat insulating material 62 (substantially close to zero). close to zero).

[4. Arrangement of each member of the heat insulating part]
Next, the arrangement of the vacuum heat insulating material 61, the foam heat insulating material 62, and the plurality of heat insulating members 71 to 76 will be described. Note that the configuration of each wall portion described below may be applied to another wall portion. That is, the configuration described as the configuration related to the upper wall 21 may be applied to the lower wall 22 , the left and right side walls 23 and 24 and the rear wall 25 . The same applies to the configurations of the lower wall 22, left and right side walls 23 and 24, and rear wall 25, which will be described later.

[4.1 Upper wall of housing]
First, the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 will be described. Top wall 21 includes, for example, vacuum insulation 61 , foam insulation 62 , and insulation member 71 . The heat insulating member 71 is an example of a "first heat insulating member".

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper wall 21 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. The inner box 51 has a first inner wall portion 81a, a second inner wall portion 81b, and an inclined inner wall portion (third inner wall portion) 81c included in the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 . The first inner wall portion 81a extends substantially horizontally rearward from the front end of the housing 10 . The second inner wall portion 81b is positioned rearward of the first inner wall portion 81a and extends substantially horizontally. The second inner wall portion 81b is located at a lower height than the first inner wall portion 81a. The second inner wall portion 81b includes a portion located below the recessed portion 84 of the outer casing 52, which will be described later. The inclined inner wall portion 81c is provided between the first inner wall portion 81a and the second inner wall portion 81b and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The inclined inner wall portion 81c connects the rear end of the first inner wall portion 81a and the front end of the second inner wall portion 81b. A first corner portion 81d is provided between the first inner wall portion 81a and the inclined inner wall portion 81c. A second corner portion 81e is provided between the second inner wall portion 81b and the inclined inner wall portion 81c. The inner box 51 forms a concave portion 82 recessed downward with respect to the first inner wall portion 81a by the second inner wall portion 81b and the inclined inner wall portion 81c. Further, the inner box 51 has a wall surface S1 facing the area (that is, the heat insulating portion 53) between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52. As shown in FIG. The wall surface S1 extends over the first inner wall portion 81a, the second inner wall portion 81b, and the inclined inner wall portion 81c, and has a wall shape reflecting the first inner wall portion 81a, the second inner wall portion 81b, and the inclined inner wall portion 81c. That is, the wall surface S1 has a wall surface shape including the concave portion 82 described above.

The outer box 52 has a first outer wall portion 83 a , a second outer wall portion 83 b , and an inclined outer wall portion (third outer wall portion) 83 c included in the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 . The first outer wall portion 83a extends substantially horizontally rearward from the front end of the housing 10 . The first outer wall portion 83a extends further rearward than the first inner wall portion 81a. The second outer wall portion 83b is positioned rearward of the first outer wall portion 83a and extends substantially horizontally. The second outer wall portion 83b is located at a lower height than the first outer wall portion 83a. The inclined outer wall portion 83c is provided between the first outer wall portion 83a and the second outer wall portion 83b, and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The inclined outer wall portion 83c connects the rear end of the first outer wall portion 83a and the front end of the second outer wall portion 83b. The outer casing 52 has a recess 84 formed by the second outer wall 83b and the inclined outer wall 83c so as to be recessed downward with respect to the first outer wall 83a and in which the power supply circuit board 19 is arranged. The outer box 52 has a wall surface S2 facing the area (that is, the heat insulating portion 53) between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52. As shown in FIG. The wall surface S2 extends over the first outer wall portion 83a, the second outer wall portion 83b, and the inclined outer wall portion 83c, and has a wall shape reflecting the first outer wall portion 83a, the second outer wall portion 83b, and the inclined outer wall portion 83c.

A vacuum heat insulating material 61 is arranged between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . The vacuum heat insulating material 61 is arranged along the wall surface S2 of the first outer wall portion 83a of the outer casing 52 . The vacuum heat insulating material 61 is fixed to the wall surface S2 of the first outer wall portion 83a of the outer box 52 by an adhesive layer h (see FIG. 4), which is, for example, an adhesive or an adhesive tape. Adjacent to S2. Alternatively, the vacuum insulation material 61 may be fixed to the outer case 52 by a fastening member or support structure (not shown). In this embodiment, the length L1 of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length L2 in the front-rear direction of the first outer wall portion 83a and longer than the length L3 in the front-rear direction of the first inner wall portion 81a. The vacuum heat insulating material 61 is attached to the first outer wall portion 83a.

The heat insulating member 71 is arranged between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . In this embodiment, at least part of the heat insulating member 71 is arranged between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the inner box 51 . The heat insulating member 71 is arranged along the wall surface S<b>1 of the inner box 51 . The heat insulating member 71 is fixed to the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and is in contact with the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51 .

In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 71 has a size covering substantially the entire area of the first inner wall portion 81a, the inclined inner wall portion 81c, and the second inner wall portion 81b. The heat insulating member 71 is formed in a flexible sheet shape, deformed into a shape along the wall surface shape of the inner box 51 including the recess 82, and arranged along the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51. It is That is, the heat insulating member 71 is also arranged along the inner surface of the recess 82 .

Specifically, the heat insulating member 71 is bent continuously along the first inner wall portion 81a, the first corner portion 81d, the inclined inner wall portion 81c, the second corner portion 81e, and the second inner wall portion 81b. They are arranged along the inner wall portion 81a, the inclined inner wall portion 81c, and the second inner wall portion 81b. For example, the heat insulating member 71 is fixed to the first inner wall portion 81a, the inclined inner wall portion 81c, and the second inner wall portion 81b by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and the first inner wall portion 81a, the inclined inner wall portion 81c, and the second inner wall portion 81b, respectively. The first inner wall portion 81a is an example of a "first wall portion". The inclined inner wall portion 81c is an example of a "second wall portion". If the heat insulating member 71 is formed in a flexible sheet shape, the shape processing in advance becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturability of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

Wall surface S<b>1 may have a projection projecting toward wall surface S<b>2 of outer casing 52 instead of or in addition to recess 82 . In this case, the heat insulating member 71 is formed in a sheet shape, for example, and is deformed and arranged along the surface of the convex portion.

Also, the heat insulating member 71 may have a certain degree of hardness without flexibility. In this case, the heat insulating member 71 is formed in advance in a shape along the wall surface shape of the inner box 51 including the concave portion 82 (or the convex portion) by, for example, press working, and then combined with the inner box 51. It may be arranged along the wall surface S1. According to such a configuration, positional deviation during assembly is less likely to occur, and assembly workability can be improved.

At least part of the foam heat insulating material 62 is filled between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 . In the area where the vacuum heat insulating material 61 is not arranged, the foam heat insulating material 62 is filled between the wall surface S2 of the outer box 52 and the heat insulating member 71 .

Here, the space between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21 serves as a flow path through which the unfoamed foam heat insulating material 62 is filled when the housing 10 is manufactured. . In this embodiment, the distance H1 (for example, the minimum distance) between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21 is greater than the thickness H2 of the inner box 51 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21. is also larger than the thickness H3 of the outer casing 52 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21 . From another point of view, the distance H1 (for example, the minimum distance) between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21 is equal to the thickness of the heat insulating member 71 in the thickness direction of the upper wall 21. larger than H4. According to such a configuration, the foamed heat insulating material 62 easily flows into the gap between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71, and the gap between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 and the upper wall 21 Insufficient filling of the foamed heat insulating material 62 in other portions can be suppressed.

Next, an example of the heat insulating member 71 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged partial region of the upper wall 21 shown in FIG. The heat insulating member 71 is formed by laminating a plurality of sheets ST, for example. Each of the plurality of sheets ST is made of a specific heat insulating material G and has flexibility.

With such a configuration, even if the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51 has a complicated shape, the heat insulating member 71 can be easily arranged along the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51 . Also, the number of sheets ST to be laminated may be increased only in a portion where higher heat insulation is required. In this case, it becomes easier to achieve both improvement in heat insulation and expansion of the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 . This configuration may be applied as a configuration of other heat insulating members 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 89, 173 described below.

[4.2 Installation structure of power supply circuit]
Next, the installation structure of the power supply circuit board 19 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged rear end portion of the upper wall 21 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 has a circuit housing part 85 and a cover 86 . The circuit housing component 85 is formed in a bowl shape along the recess 84 of the upper wall 21 and arranged in the recess 84 of the upper wall 21 . The circuit housing component 85 is fixed to the outer case 52 by a fastening member (not shown). On the other hand, the cover 86 covers the power circuit board 19 housed in the circuit housing component 85 from above.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit housing component 85. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the circuit housing component 85 includes an upper tray (first member) 87 , a lower tray (second member) 88 and a heat insulating member 89 .

The upper tray 87 is formed in a bowl shape including a concave portion r<b>1 that is one size larger than the power circuit board 19 . The upper tray 87 is made of an electrically insulating and flame-retardant material. The power circuit board 19 is accommodated inside the recess r1 of the upper tray 87 .

The lower tray 88 has a tray body portion 88a and a pair of handles 88b. The tray body portion 88a is formed in a bowl shape including a concave portion r2 that is one size larger than the upper tray 87. As shown in FIG. A pair of handles 88b are provided on the left and right sides of the tray body portion 88a.

The heat insulating member 89 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 89 is attached to the upper surface of the recess r2 of the lower tray 88 and positioned between the upper tray 87 and the lower tray 88 . That is, the heat insulating member 89 is positioned between the power circuit board 19 and the housing 10 of the refrigerator 1 . The heat insulating member 89 has an area larger than that of the power circuit board 19, for example. The heat insulating member 89 prevents heat generated by the power circuit board 19 from being transmitted from the upper tray 87 to the lower tray 88 . This makes it difficult for the heat generated by the power circuit board 19 to be transmitted to the refrigerator compartment 27A.

The heat insulating member 89 may be attached to the upper surface of the recess r1 of the upper tray 87 instead of being attached to the upper surface of the recess r2 of the lower tray 88, or may be attached to the lower surface of the upper tray 87. It may be attached to the lower surface of the lower tray 88 or may be attached to the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 . Moreover, at least one of the upper tray 87 and the lower tray 88 may be made of the specific heat insulating material G or a synthetic resin containing the specific heat insulating material G, or the like.

[4.3 Rear wall of housing]
[4.3.1 Overview of rear wall]
Next, returning to FIG. 5, the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 will be described. Rear wall 25 includes, for example, insulation member 72 (inner insulation member), insulation member 73 (outer insulation member), and foam insulation 62 . The heat insulating member 72 is an example of a "second heat insulating member". The heat insulating member 73 is an example of a "third heat insulating member".

Inner box 51 includes an inner wall portion 91 included in rear wall 25 of housing 10 . The inner wall portion 91 extends vertically. The inner wall portion 91 has a wall surface S3 facing the area (that is, the heat insulating portion 53) between the inner case 51 and the outer case 52. As shown in FIG. Similarly, the outer box 52 has an outer wall portion 92 included in the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 . The outer wall portion 92 extends vertically. The outer wall portion 92 has a wall surface S4 facing the area (that is, the heat insulating portion 53) between the inner case 51 and the outer case 52. As shown in FIG.

The inner heat insulating member 72 is arranged between the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 . The heat insulating member 72 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 72 is arranged along the wall surface S<b>3 of the inner box 51 . For example, the heat insulating member 72 is fixed to the wall surface S3 of the inner box 51 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and is in contact with the wall surface S3 of the inner box 51 . Although not shown in FIG. 2, for example, the heat insulating member 72 is provided over substantially the entire height of the rear wall 25 so as to extend from near the compressor 17 to near the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. That is, the heat insulating member 72 passes from behind the cold air return port 32b of the second duct member 32 and the second fan 48, passes behind the second cooler 46, the first fan 43, and the first cooler 41, It is provided behind the plurality of cool air outlets 31 a of the duct component 31 .

On the other hand, the outer heat insulating member 73 is arranged between the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 . The heat insulating member 73 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 73 is arranged along the wall surface S4 of the outer casing 52. As shown in FIG. For example, the heat insulating member 73 is fixed to the wall surface S4 of the outer case 52 by an adhesive layer h, for example, and is in contact with the wall surface S4 of the outer case 52. As shown in FIG. For example, the heat insulating member 73 is provided over substantially the entire height of the rear wall 25 so as to extend from near the compressor 17 to near the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. That is, the heat insulating member 73 extends from behind the cold air return port 32b of the second duct member 32 and the second fan 48, through behind the second cooler 46, the first fan 43, and the first cooler 41, to the first It is provided behind the plurality of cool air outlets 31 a of the duct component 31 . The heat insulating member 73 faces the heat insulating member 72 in the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator 1 with the foam heat insulating material 62 interposed therebetween.

The foam heat insulating material 62 is filled between the two heat insulating members 72 and 73 . From another point of view, the foamed heat insulating material 62 is filled between the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 and the heat insulating member 73 (outer heat insulating member). From another point of view, the foamed heat insulating material 62 is filled between the heat insulating member 72 (inner heat insulating member) and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 .

[4.3.2 Configuration (1) for inner heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration of the inner heat insulating member 72 will be described.
Here, the wall surface S3 of the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 extends in a direction different from the wall surface S1 of the second inner wall portion 81b of the upper wall 21 . A corner portion c1 is provided between the wall surface S1 of the second inner wall portion 81b of the upper wall 21 and the wall surface S3 of the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 . The wall surface S1 of the second inner wall portion 81b of the upper wall 21 is an example of the "first wall surface". The wall surface S3 of the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 is an example of the "second wall surface". The term "corner" as used herein is not limited to a right-angled corner, and may be an obtuse-angled corner or an acute-angled corner. Also, the "corner" may have an inclined surface (C surface) like the corner c1.

The heat insulating member 71 of the upper wall 21 is arranged along the wall surface S1 of the second inner wall portion 81b of the upper wall 21 and has an end portion 71a positioned at the corner portion c1. In this specification, "the end of the heat insulating member is positioned at the corner" means that the end of the heat insulating member overlaps the corner when viewed in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, or the edge of the heat insulating member overlaps the corner. It means that the edge is located near the corner.

The heat insulating member 72 of the rear wall 25 is arranged along the wall surface S3 of the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 and has an end portion 72a positioned at the corner portion c1. An end portion 72a of the heat insulating member 72 of the rear wall 25 abuts against an end portion 71a of the heat insulating member 71 of the upper wall 21 at the corner c1. That is, the end portion 72a of the heat insulating member 72 of the rear wall 25 is in contact with the end portion 71a of the heat insulating member 71 of the upper wall 21 . As a result, the heat insulating member 71 of the upper wall 21 and the heat insulating member 72 of the rear wall 25 form a continuous large heat insulating layer. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further improve the heat insulation.

[4.3.3 Configuration (2) for inner heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration of the heat insulating member 72 from another point of view will be described.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 5 along line F7-F7. In this embodiment, the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 has a concave portion 95 recessed rearward. A recess 95 is located behind the first duct part 31 . The first duct space D<b>1 described above is formed between the first duct part 31 and the recess 95 of the rear wall 25 . According to such a configuration, the thickness of the first duct member 31 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 can be reduced, and the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased.

Specifically, the inner wall portion 91 has a first portion 91a, a second portion 91b, a third portion 91c, a fourth portion 91d and a fifth portion 91e.

The first portion 91a and the fifth portion 91e extend in the left-right direction (width direction) of the refrigerator 1 and are located at the frontmost of the first to fifth portions 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d and 91e. The first portion 91a and the fifth portion 91e are located on the left and right sides of the third portion 91c. The third portion 91c extends in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1 and is located closer to the outer wall portion 92 than the first portion 91a and the fifth portion 91e.

The second portion 91b extends obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1, for example, and connects the right end of the first portion 91a and the left end of the third portion 91c. The fourth portion 91d extends obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1, for example, and connects the left end of the fifth portion 91e and the right end of the third portion 91c.

The heat insulating member 72 is formed in a sheet-like shape having flexibility, and is arranged along the inner wall portion 91 while being deformed according to the shape of the concave portion 95 . In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 72 is bent continuously along the first portion 91a, the second portion 91b, the third portion 91c, the fourth portion 91d, and the fifth portion 91e. are arranged along the portions 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d and 91e, respectively. The heat insulating member 72 is fixed to the first to fifth portions 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, and 91e by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and is in contact with the first to fifth portions 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, and 91e. ing.

[4.3.4 Configuration (1) for outer heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration of the outer heat insulating member 73 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing the heat insulating member 73 and the outer wall portion 92. As shown in FIG. The outer wall portion 92 has a plurality of injection ports 92a into which the foamed heat insulating material 62 before foaming is injected. The foamed heat insulating material 62 is injected into the space between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 through the inlet 92 a and foamed in the space between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . The plurality of injection ports 92a are arranged at the left and right end portions of the outer wall portion 92, for example. After the foamed heat insulating material 62 is injected, the injection port 92a is closed by attaching a lid 92b.

In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 73 is formed in a rectangular shape that covers most of the outer wall portion 92 and has cutouts (or holes) 73a that avoid the plurality of injection ports 92a of the outer wall portion 92 . In other words, the heat insulating member 73 can be formed large without worrying about the position of the injection port 92a by providing the notch (or hole) 73a. For example, the heat insulating member 73 includes a first projecting portion 73b projecting leftward beyond at least a portion of the left injection port 92a and a second projecting portion projecting rightward beyond at least a portion of the right injection port 92a. It has a protruding portion 73c and has a relatively large outer shape. Such a shape is difficult to manufacture with vacuum insulation.

[4.3.5 Configuration (2) for outer heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration of the heat insulating member 73 from another point of view will be described.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged area surrounded by line F9 of refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a heat dissipation pipe 101 arranged along the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . The heat radiation pipe 101 is a component to which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 17 is supplied and the heat of the refrigerant is released. The heat radiation pipe 101 is an example of a "heat radiation member".

In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 73 is made of the specific heat insulating material G and has elasticity. The heat insulating member 73 is located on the side opposite to the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 with respect to the heat radiating pipe 101 and is located between the foam heat insulating material 62 and the heat radiating pipe 101 . The heat insulating member 73 is in contact with the heat radiating pipe 101 .

The heat insulating member 73 is sandwiched between the heat insulating foam material 62 and the heat radiating pipe 101 when the heat insulating foam material 62 is foamed, and is compressed between the heat insulating foam material 62 and the heat radiating pipe 101 . The heat insulating member 73 applies elastic force due to compression to the heat radiating pipe 101 and presses the heat radiating pipe 101 toward the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . As a result, the heat radiating pipe 101 abuts against the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25, and the thermal connectivity between the heat radiating pipe 101 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 is improved. As a result, the heat of the heat radiating pipe 101 is easily transferred to the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25, and the heat radiating performance of the heat radiating pipe 101 is improved.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the heat insulating member 73 includes, for example, a body portion 105 and a metal portion 106 . The body portion 105 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above and has elasticity. The metal portion 106 is provided on at least a part of the surface of the body portion 105 . In this embodiment, the metal portion 106 is provided on the surface of the body portion 105 facing the heat dissipation pipe 101 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . In other words, the metal portion 106 is located between the body portion 105 and the heat radiating pipe 101 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . The metal part 106 is a thin metal layer (for example, metal foil) and has softness (flexibility). The metal portion 106 is deformable following the elastic deformation of the body portion 105 .

The metal portion 106 has a first portion 106a and a second portion 106b. The first portion 106 a faces the heat dissipation pipe 101 in the thickness direction of the rear wall 25 . The second portion 106 b is located outside the heat dissipation pipe 101 in the thickness direction of the rear wall 25 and faces the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . The body portion 105 is sandwiched and compressed between the first portion 106 a and the second portion 106 b of the metal portion 106 and the foam heat insulating material 62 .

The heat insulating member 73 applies elastic force due to compression of the main body 105 to the first portion 106 a of the metal portion 106 to press the first portion 106 a of the metal portion 106 toward the heat dissipation pipe 101 . For example, the first portion 106 a of the metal portion 106 is deformed so as to wrap a part of the outer peripheral surface of the heat radiating pipe 101 and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the heat radiating pipe 101 . This improves thermal connectivity between the metal portion 106 and the heat dissipation pipe 101 .

Similarly, the heat insulating member 73 causes the elastic force due to the compression of the body portion 105 to act on the second portion 106 b of the metal portion 106 to press the second portion 106 b of the metal portion 106 toward the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . . As a result, the metal portion 106 comes into contact with the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25, and thermal connectivity between the metal portion 106 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 is improved. As a result, the heat dissipation pipe 101 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 are more firmly thermally connected through the metal portion 106, and part of the heat of the heat dissipation pipe 101 is transferred through the metal portion 106 to the rear wall. 25 to the outer wall portion 92 . Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the heat dissipation pipe 101 can be further improved. Heat radiation pipe 101 and outer wall portion 92 of rear wall 25, first portion 106a of metal portion 106 and heat radiation pipe 101, and second portion 106b of metal portion 106 and outer wall portion 92 of rear wall 25 are in direct contact with each other. Alternatively, the contact may be made indirectly by interposing a member having good thermal conductivity therebetween.

[4.4 Bottom wall of housing]
[4.4.1 Overview of lower wall]
Next, referring to FIG. 10, the bottom wall 22 of the housing 10 will be described. Lower wall 22 includes, for example, insulating member 74 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the bottom wall 22 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. The outer box 52 has a first outer wall portion 111 a, a second outer wall portion 111 b, and an inclined outer wall portion (third outer wall portion) 111 c included in the lower wall 22 of the housing 10 . The first outer wall portion 111a extends substantially horizontally rearward from the front end of the housing 10 . The second outer wall portion 111b is located behind the first outer wall portion 111a and extends substantially horizontally. The second outer wall portion 111b is positioned higher than the first outer wall portion 111a. At least part of the second outer wall portion 111b is positioned above the compressor 17 and the evaporating plate 18 . The inclined outer wall portion 111c is provided between the first outer wall portion 111a and the second outer wall portion 111b and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The inclined outer wall portion 111c connects the rear end of the first outer wall portion 111a and the front end of the second outer wall portion 111b. The outer box 52 has a wall surface S5 facing the area (that is, the heat insulating portion 53) between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52. As shown in FIG. The wall surface S5 extends over the first outer wall portion 111a, the second outer wall portion 111b, and the inclined outer wall portion 111c, and has a wall shape reflecting the first outer wall portion 111a, the second outer wall portion 111b, and the inclined outer wall portion 111c.

The heat insulating member 74 is arranged between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . The heat insulating member 74 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above and has flexibility. The heat insulating member 74 is arranged along the wall surface S<b>5 of the outer casing 52 . For example, the heat insulating member 74 is fixed to the wall surface S5 of the outer case 52 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and is in contact with the wall surface S5 of the outer case 52 . In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 74 has a size covering substantially the entire area of the first outer wall portion 111a, the inclined outer wall portion 111c, and the second outer wall portion 111b. The heat insulating member 74 is formed in a flexible sheet-like shape and is arranged along the wall surface S<b>5 of the outer box 52 while being deformed into a shape along the wall surface shape of the outer box 52 . In this embodiment, a foam heat insulating material 62 is filled between the heat insulating member 74 and the inner box 51 .

[4.4.2 Configuration (1) related to heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration regarding the heat insulating member 74 will be described.
Here, the wall surface S5 of the second outer wall portion 111b of the lower wall 22 extends in a direction different from the wall surface S4 of the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . A corner portion c2 is provided between the wall surface S5 of the second outer wall portion 111b of the lower wall 22 and the wall surface S4 of the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 . The wall surface S4 of the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 is another example of the "first wall surface". The wall surface S5 of the second outer wall portion 111b of the lower wall 22 is another example of the "second wall surface".

The heat insulating member 73 of the rear wall 25 is arranged along the wall surface S4 of the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 and has an end portion 73e positioned at the corner portion c2. The heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 is arranged along the wall surface S5 of the second outer wall portion 111b of the lower wall 22 and has an end portion 74a positioned at the corner portion c2. An end portion 74a of the heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 abuts an end portion 73e of the heat insulating member 73 of the rear wall 25 at the corner c2. That is, the end portion 74 a of the heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 contacts the end portion 73 e of the heat insulating member 73 of the rear wall 25 . As a result, the heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 and the heat insulating member 73 of the rear wall 25 form a continuous large heat insulating layer. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further improve the heat insulation.

[4.4.3 Configuration (2) related to heat insulating member]
Next, the configuration of the heat insulating member 74 from another point of view will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, a drain pipe portion 44 extends between the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and the evaporating plate 18 to guide the defrosted water received by the defrosting water receivers 42 and 47 to the evaporating plate 18. there is The drain pipe section 44 is, for example, a drain pipe or a drain hose.

The heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 has an insertion portion 74h through which the drain pipe portion 44 is passed. The insertion portion 74h is, for example, a hole that penetrates the heat insulating member 74 in the thickness direction, but may be a notch portion that is cut out from the outer edge of the heat insulating member 74 . By having the insertion portion 74h, the heat insulating member 74 can be formed in a size and shape that does not affect the drainage pipe portion 44. As shown in FIG. For example, the heat insulating member 74 includes portions arranged on the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the drain pipe portion 44 and insulates between the compressor 17 and the inside of the housing 10 . According to such a configuration, the heat of the compressor 17 is less likely to be transmitted to the inside of the housing 10, and dew condensation on the surface of the lower wall 22 can be suppressed.

For example, the heat insulating member 74 has an insertion portion 74 h that is a hole and a slit SL that connects the insertion portion 74 h and the outer edge of the heat insulating member 74 . The slit SL is substantially the same as the slit SL (see FIG. 19) of the heat insulating member 78, which will be described later. For example, the width W of the slit SL is narrower than the width (for example, diameter) of the drain pipe portion 44 . The drainage pipe portion 44 can be positioned in the insertion portion 74h by passing through the slit SL while deforming (e.g., elastically deforming) the periphery of the slit SL. With such a configuration, a large heat insulating layer can be provided without being obstructed by the drain pipe portion 44 .

[4.5 Left and Right Side Walls of Housing]
[4.5.1 Overview of Left and Right Side Walls]
Next, the left and right side walls 23, 24 of the housing 10 will be described. The left and right side walls 23 and 24 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, the left side wall 23 will be described below as a representative.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 taken along line F11-F11 shown in FIG. The left sidewall 23 has a front end 23a. The front end portion 23a faces, for example, the left refrigerating compartment door 11Aa.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged area surrounded by line F12 of the left side wall 23 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure shown in FIG. 12 exploded. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front end portion 23a of the left side wall 23 is provided with a connecting structure 120 for connecting the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 together. The connection structure 120 includes, for example, a first connection portion 121 provided at the tip of the outer casing 52 and a second connection portion 122 provided at the tip of the inner casing 51 .

Specifically, the first connecting portion 121 has a first portion 121a, a second portion 121b, a third portion 121c, and a fourth portion 121d. The first portion 121 a extends in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 . The second portion 121b is bent toward the right side of the refrigerator 1 from the front end of the first portion 121a. The second portion 121 b is located on the frontmost side of the left side wall 23 and forms a part of the front surface of the left side wall 23 . The third portion 121 c is folded back from the tip of the second portion 121 b toward the outside of the refrigerator 1 and extends inside the left side wall 23 . The fourth portion 121 d is bent rearward from the tip of the third portion 121 c toward the inside of the refrigerator 1 and extends inside the left side wall 23 . A concave portion 123 with which the second connecting portion 122 engages is formed by the third portion 121c and the fourth portion 121d.

On the other hand, the second connecting portion 122 has a first portion 122a, a second portion 122b, a third portion 122c, and a fourth portion 122d. The second portion 122b extends in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 . The second portion 122b is bent leftward of the refrigerator 1 from the front end of the first portion 122a. The second portion 122 b is located on the frontmost side of the left side wall 23 and forms part of the front surface of the left side wall 23 . The third portion 122 c is bent rearward from the tip of the second portion 122 b toward the inside of the refrigerator 1 and extends inside the left side wall 23 . The fourth portion 122 d is bent from the tip of the third portion 122 c forward and outward of the refrigerator 1 and extends inside the left side wall 23 . An engaging portion 124 that engages with the concave portion 123 of the first connecting portion 121 is formed by the third portion 122c and the fourth portion 122d.

Here, a foam insulation material 62 is filled between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . However, for example, between the second portion 121b and the third portion 121c of the first connection portion 121, between the third portion 121c of the first connection portion 121 and the third and fourth portions 122c of the second connection portion 122, 122d, it is difficult to fill the foamed heat insulating material 62. For this reason, it is difficult for the heat insulating property of the tip portion of the left side wall 23 to become high.

[4.5.2 Configuration regarding heat insulating member]
In this embodiment, the left side wall 23 has heat insulating members 75 and 76 . The heat insulating members 75 and 76 are provided between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 . Each of the heat insulating members 75 and 76 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above.

Specifically, the outer box 52 has a wall surface S6 facing the area between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 (that is, the area filled with the foamed heat insulating material 62, the heat insulating portion 53). The heat insulating member 75 is arranged along the wall surface S6 of the outer casing 52. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 75 is fixed to the first to fourth portions 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d of the first connecting portion 121 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and the first to fourth portions 121a, 121b , 121c and 121d, respectively. For example, the first connecting portion 121 is fixed to the heat insulating member 75 in a flat state during manufacturing, and then bent together with the heat insulating member 75 by press working or the like, thereby forming the above-described first to fourth portions 121a and 121b. , 121c and 121d are formed.

Similarly, the inner box 51 has a wall surface S7 facing the area between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 (that is, the area filled with the foam insulating material 62, the heat insulating portion 53). The heat insulating member 76 is arranged along the wall surface S<b>7 of the inner box 51 . In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 76 is fixed to the first to fourth portions 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d of the second connecting portion 122 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and the first to fourth portions 122a, 122b , 122c and 122d, respectively.

In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 75 attached to the first connecting portion 121 and the heat insulating member 76 attached to the second connecting portion 122 at least partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 . Thereby, the heat insulating property of the tip portion of the left side wall 23 is enhanced. Even if only one of the heat insulating members 75 and 76 is provided, the heat insulating properties of the tip portion of the left side wall 23 can be improved to some extent.

[5. Insulation structure of parts inside the housing]
Next, the heat insulating structure of the components arranged inside the housing 10 will be described.

[5.1 First duct component]
[5.1.1 Configuration (1) regarding the first duct component]
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the refrigerator 1 viewed from the front. The first duct component 31 has a front wall portion 131 and left and right side wall portions 132 and 133 . The front wall portion 131 extends in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1 with a first duct space D1 between itself and the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 of the refrigerator 1 . The left side wall portion 132 extends from the left end of the front wall portion 131 toward the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 of the refrigerator 1 and is connected to the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 . Right wall portion 133 extends from the right end of front wall portion 131 toward inner wall portion 91 of rear wall 25 of refrigerator 1 and is connected to inner wall portion 91 of rear wall 25 . The first duct component 31 has a back surface S8 (see FIG. 7) facing the first duct space D1. The rear surface S8 extends over the front wall portion 131 and the left and right side wall portions 132 and 133 .

From another point of view, the first duct component 31 has a first region 135 and a second region 136 located below the first region 135 . The first area 135 is located behind the refrigerator compartment 27A, for example. The first region 135 has a plurality of cold air outlets 31a. The first region 135 has a width in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1 narrower than a second region 136 described later. The second region 136 is positioned, for example, behind the vegetable compartment 27B and behind the lower end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. The second area 136 has the cool air return port 31 b open and accommodates the first cooler 41 , the first defrosting water receiver 42 , and the first fan 43 . The outer shape of the upper end of the second region 136 has an arc portion 136 a whose width gradually decreases as it approaches the first region 135 .

A heat insulating member 77 is attached to the rear surface S8 of the first duct component 31 (see FIG. 2). The heat insulating member 77 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 77 is formed in a sheet shape, for example, and has flexibility. The heat insulating member 77 is provided over substantially the entire height of the first duct component 31 . That is, the heat insulating member 77 passes in front of the first cooler 41 from below the cold air return port 31b of the first duct member 31 and the first fan 43, and passes through the plurality of cold air outlets 31a of the first duct member 31. It is provided all the way up.

15 is a front view showing the heat insulating member 77 before being attached to the first duct component 31. FIG. The heat insulating member 77 has a central portion 141 , a left portion 142 and a right portion 143 . The central portion 141 has a shape corresponding to the front wall portion 131 of the first duct component 31 . The central portion 141 has openings 141a and 141b corresponding to the cool air outlet 31a and cool air return 31b of the first duct member 31, respectively. The left side portion 142 projects leftward from the central portion 141 and has a shape corresponding to the left side wall portion 132 of the first duct component 31 . The right side portion 143 projects rightward from the central portion 141 and has a shape corresponding to the right side wall portion 133 of the first duct component 31 .

The heat insulating member 77 is formed as one planar sheet including a central portion 141 , a left portion 142 and a right portion 143 . The heat insulating member 77 is attached to the rear surface S8 of the first duct member 31 while bending the left side portion 142 and the right side portion 143 with respect to the central portion 141. As shown in FIG. That is, the central portion 141 of the heat insulating member 77 is attached to the rear surface S8 of the front wall portion 131 of the first duct component 31 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and the left side portion 142 of the heat insulating member 77 is attached to the left side wall portion of the first duct component 31. 132 , and the right side portion 143 of the heat insulating member 77 is attached to the back side S8 of the right side wall portion 132 of the first duct component 31 .

In this embodiment, the left and right side portions 142 and 143 of the heat insulating member 77 have first cuts 145 in portions corresponding to the boundary between the first region 135 and the second region 136 of the first duct component 31 . The first notch 145 extends from the outer edge of the heat insulating member 77 toward the inner side of the heat insulating member 77 . By providing the first notch 145 , the heat insulating member 77 can be easily attached without being affected by the difference in width between the first region 135 and the second region 136 of the first duct component 31 . The first notch 145 has, for example, a length covering the full width of each of the left and right side portions 142 and 143 .

Also, the left and right side portions 142 and 143 of the heat insulating member 77 have one or more (for example, multiple) second cuts 146 in portions corresponding to the arc portions 136 a of the first duct component 31 . The second notch 146 extends from the outer edge of the heat insulating member 77 toward the inner side of the heat insulating member 77 . By providing the second notch 146 , the heat insulating member 77 can be easily attached without being affected by the shape of the arc portion 136 a of the first duct component 31 .

[5.1.2 Configuration (2) regarding the first duct component]
Next, the configuration of the first duct component 31 from another point of view will be described.
16 is a rear view showing the rear surface S8 of the first duct component 31. FIG. A rear surface S8 of the front wall portion 131 of the first duct component 31 has a plurality of convex portions 151. As shown in FIG. The plurality of protrusions 151 are arranged separately in the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1 . The plurality of convex portions 151 extend linearly in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1, for example. The plurality of convex portions 151 are, for example, reinforcing beads (reinforcing ribs) that reinforce the front wall portion 131 of the first duct component 31 .

17 is a cross-sectional view showing the first duct component 31 and the heat insulating member 77. FIG. The heat insulating member 77 has flexibility, is deformed along the wall surface shape of the rear surface S8 of the front wall portion 131 including the plurality of protrusions 151, and is attached to the rear surface S8 of the front wall portion 131. As shown in FIG. That is, the heat insulating member 77 is fixed to each of the plurality of protrusions 151 and the regions between the plurality of protrusions 151 by, for example, an adhesive layer h.

The heat insulating member 77 may be attached to the front surface of the first duct component 31 (the surface exposed to the storage chamber 27) instead of being attached to the back surface S8 of the first duct component 31. Also, the plurality of protrusions 151 may be provided on the front surface of the first duct component 31 instead of on the back surface S8 of the first duct component 31 .

[5.2 Defrosting water receiver]
Next, the configuration of the first and second defrosting water receivers 42, 47 will be described. Here, the configurations regarding the first and second defrosting water receivers 42, 47 are substantially the same. For this reason, below, the structure regarding the 1st defrost water receiver 42 is demonstrated as a representative.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the first defrosting water receiver 42 and the drain pipe portion 44. As shown in FIG. The first defrosting water receiver 42 is, for example, bowl-shaped. The first defrosting water receiver 42 has a bottom portion 161 that guides the defrosting water dropped from the first cooler 41 toward the drain pipe portion 44 . For example, the bottom portion 161 has a hole portion 161 a that communicates with the drain pipe portion 44 .

In this embodiment, a heater 162 is attached to the bottom portion 161 of the first defrosting water receiver 42 . The heater 162 heats the bottom portion 161 of the first defrosting water receiver 42 to prevent the defrosting water dripping from the first cooler 41 into the first defrosting water receiver 42 from freezing in the first defrosting water receiver 42. do.

In this embodiment, a heat insulating member 78 is attached to the outer surface of the first defrosting water receiver 42 . The heat insulating member 78 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above, and has flexibility, for example. The heat insulating member 78 is positioned between the cold air flowing upward in the first duct space D1 and the first defrosting water receiver 42, and performs the first defrosting by the cold air flowing in the first duct space D1. To suppress cooling of a water receiver 42. - 特許庁The heat insulating member 78 is an example of a "fourth heat insulating member".

Further, in this embodiment, the heat insulating member 78 is located on the opposite side of the heater 162 to the first defrosting water receiver 42 and covers the heater 162 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater 162 from dropping due to the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1, and to efficiently heat the first defrosting water receiver 42 with the heat of the heater 162 .

19 is a bottom view showing the first defrosting water receiver 42 and the heat insulating member 78. FIG. The heat insulating member 78 has an insertion portion 78a through which the drain pipe portion 44 is passed. The insertion portion 78a is, for example, a hole that penetrates the heat insulating member 78 in the thickness direction, but may be a notch portion that is cut or missing from the outer edge of the heat insulating member 78 . The heat insulating member 78 can be formed in a size and shape that does not affect the drainage pipe portion 44 by having the insertion portion 78a. For example, the insulating member 78 includes portions located on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the drain pipe portion 44 .

For example, the heat insulating member 78 has an insertion portion 78 a that is a hole and a slit SL that connects the insertion portion 78 a and the outer edge of the heat insulating member 78 . For example, the width W of the slit SL is narrower than the width (for example, diameter) of the drain pipe portion 44 . The drainage pipe portion 44 can be positioned in the insertion portion 78a by passing through the slit SL while deforming (for example, elastically deforming) the periphery of the slit SL. Thereby, even after the first defrosting water receiver 42 and the drain pipe portion 44 are connected, the heat insulating member 78 can be easily attached to the bottom portion 161 of the first defrosting water receiver 42 .

[5.3 Return channel cover]
Next, the configuration of the return channel cover 33 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, a heat insulating member 79 is attached to the return channel cover 33 . The heat insulating member 79 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 79 is attached, for example, to the wall portion 33a of the return channel cover 33 located behind the main freezer compartment 27E and dividing the rear part of the housing 10 into the cold air channel f1 and the return channel f2. In other words, the heat insulating member 79 is located between the cool air passage f1 and the return passage f2.

Here, the cool air flowing through the return flow path f2 may absorb moisture while passing through the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, the main freezer compartment 27E, and the like. Therefore, if the cold air passing through the return channel f2 is cooled by the cold air passing through the cold air channel f1, condensation may occur on the return channel cover 33 . Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat insulating member 79 is provided between the cool air passage f1 and the return passage f2. According to such a configuration, the cold air passing through the cold air flow passage f1 does not cool the cold air containing moisture passing through the return flow passage f2, and the formation of dew condensation on the return flow passage cover 33 can be suppressed.

According to the configuration as described above, the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 can be improved. That is, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 is arranged between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 arranged between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52, and the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the inner surface member 51, and airgel, xerogel, or It includes a heat insulating member 71 containing cryogel and a foam heat insulating material 62 at least partially filled between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 . According to such a configuration, it is possible to secure a high heat insulating property by the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71, and to secure an even higher heat insulating property by the foam heat insulating material 62 filled between them. Therefore, the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

According to another aspect, the refrigerator 1 is provided between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52, is arranged along the wall surface of the inner box 51, and includes a heat insulating member 71 containing aerogel, xerogel, or cryogel. ing. According to such a configuration, even if the inner box 51 has a complicated shape, the heat insulating member 71 can form a heat insulating layer that matches the shape of the inner box 51 . Thereby, the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 has a vacuum heat insulating material 61 . Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear wall 25 of the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the rear wall 25 includes, for example, insulation members 73, vacuum insulation 61, and foam insulation 62. As shown in FIG.

The heat insulating member 73 is arranged along the wall surface S4 of the outer case 52, as in the first embodiment. The heat insulating member 73 is fixed to the wall surface S4 of the outer case 52 by, for example, an adhesive layer h, and is in contact with the wall surface S4 of the outer case 52. As shown in FIG.

The vacuum heat insulating material 61 is arranged between the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 . In the present embodiment, at least part of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 is overlapped on the heat insulating member 73 in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1 and is in contact with the heat insulating member 73 . Instead of this, the vacuum heat insulating material 61 may be arranged apart from the heat insulating member 73 , and the foam heat insulating material 62 may be filled between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 73 .

The foam heat insulating material 62 is arranged between the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 . In the present embodiment, at least part of the foamed heat insulating material 62 is filled on the side opposite to the heat insulating member 73 with respect to the vacuum heat insulating material 61 . In this embodiment, the insulating foam material 62 is filled between the vacuum insulating material 61 and the inner wall portion 91 of the inner box 51 .

According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure high heat insulation by the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 73, and the foam heat insulating material filled on the side opposite to the heat insulating member 73 with respect to the vacuum heat insulating material 61. 62 ensures even higher thermal insulation. Therefore, the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

At least a part of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 is superimposed on the heat insulating member 72 (see FIG. 7) along the wall surface S3 of the inner box 51 instead of the heat insulating member 73 along the wall surface S4 of the outer box 52. It may be in contact with the member 72 . In this case, at least part of the foam heat insulating material 62 may be filled on the opposite side of the vacuum heat insulating material 61 from the heat insulating member 72 . That is, the foam heat insulating material 62 may be filled between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the outer wall portion 92 of the outer box 52 . Moreover, the configuration described as the second embodiment may be applied not only to the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 but also to the upper wall 21 , the lower wall 22 , and the left and right side walls 23 and 24 .

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that a vacuum heat insulating material 170 different from a general vacuum heat insulating material is provided. Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the left side wall 23 of the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, left side wall 23 includes vacuum insulation 170 . A vacuum heat insulating material 170 is arranged between the inner box 51 and the outer box 52 .

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat insulating material 170. As shown in FIG. The vacuum heat insulating material 170 has, for example, an exterior body 171 , a core material 172 and a heat insulating member 173 .

The exterior body 171 is made of the same material as, for example, the exterior body of a general vacuum heat insulating material. The exterior body 171 is an airtight cover and has a size that covers the core material 172 and the heat insulating member 173 . The exterior body 171 has a first portion 171 a and a second portion 171 b that is an end portion of the exterior body 171 . A core material 172 is accommodated in the first portion 171 a of the outer package 171 . A heat insulating member 173 is accommodated in the second portion 171 b of the exterior body 171 . At least the first portion 171a of the exterior body 171 is decompressed. In this embodiment, the interior of the exterior body 171 is decompressed after the core material 172 and the heat insulating member 173 are accommodated in the exterior body 171, so that both the first portion 171a and the second portion 171b are decompressed.

The core material 172 is made of the same material as the core material of a general vacuum insulation material. The core material 172 is, for example, a fibrous material such as glass wool, or a porous material such as foam. For example, the core material 172 is formed by laminating a plurality of relatively thin fibrous materials or porous bodies.

The heat insulating member 173 is made of the specific heat insulating material G described above. The heat insulating member 173 preferably has elasticity, for example, but does not have to have elasticity.

In this embodiment, after the core material 172 and the heat insulating member 173 as described above are accommodated in the exterior body 171, the first portion 171a and the second portion 171b are airtightly closed by welding or the like. In other words, the first portion 171a and the second portion 171b are airtightly separated. Accordingly, even if the exterior body 171 is torn at the second portion 171b, the airtightness (degree of vacuum) of the first portion 171a is ensured. The second portion 171b may be provided at only one end of the vacuum heat insulating material 170, but may be provided at two or more ends of the vacuum heat insulating material 170. It may be provided around the perimeter.

As shown in FIG. 21, the vacuum heat insulating material 170 configured as described above is inserted forward from the rear into the left side wall 23 of the housing 10 with the second portion 171b at the front. Here, in the case of a general vacuum heat insulating material, if the vacuum heat insulating material is to be inserted into the left side wall 23, the vacuum heat insulating material will come into contact with the internal structure (for example, the connection structure 120) of the left side wall 23, and the exterior body will be damaged. there is a possibility. If the exterior body is damaged, the degree of vacuum inside the vacuum heat insulating material may decrease, and the performance of the vacuum heat insulating material may decrease. Therefore, it is difficult to insert the vacuum heat insulating material all the way.

On the other hand, the vacuum heat insulating material 170 of the present embodiment is provided with a second portion 170b having a heat insulating member 173 at the end of the vacuum heat insulating material 170 and having no problem even if the exterior body 171 is damaged. Thereby, the vacuum heat insulating material 170 can be inserted deep into the left side wall 23 (near the front end) without worrying about contacting the internal structure of the left side wall 23 (for example, the connection structure 120). Thereby, the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 can be improved. For example, the vacuum insulation 170 is in contact with the internal structure (eg, connecting structure 120) of the left side wall 23. As shown in FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The refrigerator 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heat insulating member 73 of the rear wall 25 is divided into a plurality of members. Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

23 is a front view showing the heat insulating member 73 and the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 of the housing 10. FIG. In this embodiment, the heat insulating member 73 is divided into a plurality of members 181a, 181b, and 181c in the direction along the wall surface S4 of the outer wall portion 92 (for example, the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1). The plurality of members 181a, 181b, 181c are individually attached to the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 by, for example, an adhesive layer h. According to such a configuration, the workability of attaching the heat insulating member 73 to the outer wall portion 92 of the rear wall 25 is improved, and the productivity of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

Note that the heat insulating member 72 along the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 is formed by a plurality of members 181a, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b, 181b 181c, and the plurality of members 181a, 181b, 181c may be individually attached to the inner wall portion 91 of the rear wall 25 by, for example, an adhesive layer h. Further, the configuration described as the fourth embodiment is not limited to the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, but the upper wall 21, the lower wall 22, the left and right side walls 23 and 24, and the heat insulating member 77 attached to the first duct component 31. , the heat insulating member 79 attached to the return channel cover 33, or the like.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The refrigerator 1 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that only one cooler is provided. Configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerator 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 27A is arranged at the top, the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are arranged below the refrigerator compartment 27A, and the main freezer compartment 27E is arranged below the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. A vegetable compartment 27B is arranged below the main freezer compartment 27E.

The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a first duct component 191 , a second duct component 192 and a cooling unit 193 .

The first duct component 191 is arranged behind the refrigerator compartment 27A. The first duct component 191 is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. Between the first duct component 191 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, a first duct space D3 is formed as a passage through which cold air (air) flows. The first duct space D3 communicates with a second duct space D4, which will be described later.

The second duct component 192 is arranged behind the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D and the main freezer compartment 27E. The second duct component 192 is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. Between the second duct part 192 and the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, a second duct space D4 is formed as a passage through which cold air (air) flows.

Cooling unit 193 includes, for example, cooler 201 , fan 202 , first damper 203 and second damper 204 . The cooler 201 is arranged, for example, in the second duct space D2. The first damper 203 is provided at the cool air outlet 32a of the second duct component 192 to open and close the cool air outlet 32a. The second damper 204 is provided between the first duct part 191 and the second duct part 192 to open and close the first duct space D3 and the second duct space D4.

In this embodiment, rear wall 25 includes, for example, insulating member 72 , insulating member 73 , and foam insulation 62 .

The heat insulating member 72 is arranged along the wall surface S<b>3 of the inner box 51 . For example, the heat insulating member 72 is provided over substantially the entire height of the rear wall 25 so as to extend from near the compressor 17 to near the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. That is, the heat insulating member 72 is provided from behind the cooler 201, passing behind the fan 202, the first damper 203, and the second damper 204, and extending behind the plurality of cold air outlets 31a.

On the other hand, the heat insulating member 73 is arranged along the wall surface S4 of the outer casing 52 . For example, the heat insulating member 73 is provided over substantially the entire height of the rear wall 25 so as to extend from near the compressor 17 to near the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 27A. That is, the heat insulating member 73 is provided from behind the cooler 201, passing behind the fan 202, the first damper 203, and the second damper 204, and extending behind the plurality of cold air outlets 31a.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the heat insulating property of the refrigerator 1 .

Several embodiments have been described above. However, embodiments are not limited to the above examples. The embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

In one aspect, in the upper wall 21 of the first embodiment, the vacuum heat insulating material 61 is arranged along the wall surface S1 of the inner box 51, and the heat insulating member 71 is arranged along the wall surface S2 of the outer box 52. good too. That is, the vacuum heat insulating material 61 may be attached to the inner box 51 and the heat insulating member 71 may be attached to the outer box 52 . Even with such a configuration, the foamed heat insulating material 62 can easily flow into the gap between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71, and the gap between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the heat insulating member 71 and other portions of the upper wall 21 can be prevented. It is possible to suppress insufficient filling of the foamed heat insulating material 62 in . In this configuration, the heat insulating member 71 is positioned between the vacuum heat insulating material 61 and the outer wall portion 83 a of the outer box 52 . Note that this configuration may be applied not only to the upper wall 21 of the housing 10 but also to the lower wall 22 , left and right side walls 23 and 24 , and rear wall 25 .

In addition, the configuration related to the heat insulating member 71 of the upper wall 21 of the housing 10, the installation structure of the power supply circuit section, the configuration related to the inner heat insulating member 72 (1), and the configuration related to the inner heat insulating member 72 (2) of the first embodiment. , configuration (1) regarding the outer heat insulating member 73, configuration (2) regarding the outer heat insulating member 73, configuration (1) regarding the heat insulating member 74 of the lower wall 22 of the housing 10, heat insulating member of the lower wall 22 of the housing 10 Configuration (2) for 74, configuration for heat insulating members 75 and 76 of side walls 23 and 24 of housing 10, configuration (1) for first duct component 31, configuration (2) for first duct component 31, defrosting water receiver The configuration relating to 42, 47 and the configuration relating to the return channel cover may each be implemented independently. Even if each of these is performed independently, it is possible to improve the heat insulating properties of the required portions in the refrigerator 1 .

According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator is disposed between the vacuum heat insulating material and the inner surface member or between the vacuum heat insulating material and the outer surface member, and includes an airgel, xerogel, or cryogel heat insulating member; At least a portion of the insulation wall includes a foam insulation material filled between the vacuum insulation material and the insulation member. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the heat insulating property of the refrigerator.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Refrigerator 10... Case 21... Upper wall 22... Lower wall 23... Left side wall 24... Right side wall 25... Rear wall 31... First duct part 32... Second duct part 41... First cooler 42 First defrosting water receiver 46 Second cooler 47 Second defrosting water receiver 51 Inner box (inner member) 52 Outer box (outer member) 61 Vacuum heat insulating material 62 foam heat insulating material 71 to 79 heat insulating member 81a to 81c inner wall portion 83a to 83c outer wall portion 89 heat insulating member 91 inner wall portion 92 outer wall portion 92a inlet , 73a...Notch portion 101...Radiating pipe (member for heat dissipation) 105...Main body part 106...Metal part 111a to 111c...Outer wall part 162...Heater 170...Vacuum heat insulating material 171...Exterior body 172 ... core material, 173 ... heat insulating member.

Claims (8)

an inner surface member forming at least part of the inner surface of the refrigerator;
an outer surface member forming at least part of the outer surface of the refrigerator;
a vacuum heat insulating material disposed between the inner surface member and the outer surface member;
a heat insulating member disposed between the vacuum heat insulating material and the inner surface member or between the vacuum heat insulating material and the outer surface member and containing airgel, xerogel, or cryogel;
foam insulation filled within the insulating wall;
with an insulated wall containing
at least part of the heat insulating member is arranged between the vacuum heat insulating material and the inner surface member, the heat insulating member is arranged in contact along the wall surface of the inner surface member,
The vacuum insulation material is attached to the outer surface member, the heat insulation member is attached to the inner surface member,
Further comprising a heat dissipation member arranged along the inner surface of the outer surface member,
The heat insulating member has elasticity, and is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member, and presses the heat radiating member toward the inner surface of the outer surface member by elastic force,
The heat insulating member includes a main body portion containing the airgel, xerogel, or cryogel and having elasticity, and a deformable metal portion provided on at least a part of the surface of the main body portion, wherein the metal portion It includes a first portion that faces a heat radiating member and a second portion that faces an inner surface of the outer surface member, and the heat insulating member is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member. pressed toward the inner surfaces of the heat radiating member and the outer surface member;
refrigerator. 2. The distance between the vacuum heat insulating material and the heat insulating member in the thickness direction of the heat insulating wall is greater than the thickness of the inner surface member or the thickness of the outer surface member in the thickness direction of the heat insulating wall. Refrigerator as described. The distance between the vacuum heat insulating material and the heat insulating member in the thickness direction of the heat insulating wall is greater than the thickness of the heat insulating member in the thickness direction of the heat insulating wall,
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2. The heat insulating wall includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion extending in a direction different from that of the first wall portion, and a corner portion provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. has
The heat insulating member is formed in a sheet shape and is bent along the first wall portion, the corner portion, and the second wall portion.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least part of the heat insulating member is arranged to overlap with the vacuum heat insulating material,
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of said foamed heat insulating material is filled on a side opposite to said heat insulating member with respect to said vacuum heat insulating material. The vacuum insulation material has an exterior body, a core material housed in the exterior body, and a heat insulating member housed at an end of the exterior body and containing aerogel, xerogel, or cryogel, and the exterior body Among them, at least the region containing the core material is decompressed,
Refrigerator according to claim 1 . The exterior body has a first portion that accommodates the core material and a second portion that accommodates the heat insulating member, and the first portion and the second portion are airtightly closed.
The refrigerator according to claim 6 . an inner surface member forming at least part of the inner surface of the refrigerator;
an outer surface member forming at least part of the outer surface of the refrigerator;
a vacuum heat insulating material disposed between the inner surface member and the outer surface member;
a heat insulating member disposed between the vacuum heat insulating material and the inner surface member or between the vacuum heat insulating material and the outer surface member and containing airgel, xerogel, or cryogel;
a heat insulating wall at least partially filled between the vacuum heat insulating material and the heat insulating member;
a heat radiating member arranged along the inner surface of the outer surface member;
with
The heat insulating member has elasticity, and is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member, and presses the heat radiating member toward the inner surface of the outer surface member by elastic force,
The heat insulating member includes a main body portion containing the airgel, xerogel, or cryogel and having elasticity, and a deformable metal portion provided on at least a part of the surface of the main body portion, wherein the metal portion It includes a first portion that faces a heat radiating member and a second portion that faces an inner surface of the outer surface member, and the heat insulating member is sandwiched between the foam heat insulating material and the heat radiating member. pressed toward the inner surfaces of the heat radiating member and the outer surface member;
refrigerator.

Images